Transformative Opportunity: The Institute For Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme 2025/2026 For Young West Africans (Fully Funded To Dakar, Senegal) -

About the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2025/2026 Junior Fellowship Programme — a flagship initiative aimed at developing the next generation of West African policy thinkers, change-makers, and leaders.

This fully funded 10-month fellowship will take place in Dakar, Senegal, and is designed for exceptional young individuals, particularly women, who are passionate about gender issues, governance, human security, and geopolitical affairs in the African context.

The programme is a unique platform that allows fellows to work closely with some of Africa’s leading security experts and thought leaders. As a participant, you will not only deepen your understanding of the structural and institutional barriers holding West Africa back but also contribute to shaping viable solutions through evidence-based research, high-level policy engagement, and strategic collaboration.

The ISS believes that Africa’s future must be designed and driven by Africans. This fellowship is not just about learning; it’s about building a pipeline of young professionals equipped to influence Africa’s peace, stability, and development.

Eligible Fields

Applicants to the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme must come from academic and professional backgrounds that align with the fellowship’s core themes. These include:

International Relations
Political Science
Gender Studies
Security Studies
Sociology
Law
Anthropology
Development Studies
Public Policy
Governance and Democratic Studies

Other related disciplines that intersect with human security, gender, or geopolitics are also welcome.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a national of any country within the West African subregion.
Age Limit: You must be under 30 years old at the time of application.
Academic Qualification: You must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, political science, sociology, or anthropology.
Language Proficiency: You must be fluent in either English or French. Knowledge of additional West African languages is a strong advantage.
Interest and Motivation: You must demonstrate a genuine interest in security, gender, democracy, or geopolitical issues in Africa.
Personal Attributes: You must be self-motivated, confident, proactive, and eager to learn in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Note: Women are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with the ISS’s commitment to promoting gender equity in policymaking and governance.

Selection Criteria

The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme is competitive. Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Academic merit and relevance of qualifications
Demonstrated interest in security, gender, and governance issues
Clarity and strength of the motivational cover letter
Communication skills and critical thinking ability
Leadership potential and professional maturity
Capacity to contribute meaningfully to ISS research and policy work

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview or further assessments.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be citizens of any of the following West African countries:

Benin
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Côte d’Ivoire
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Mali
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo

Residency in one of the above countries is not required as long as the applicant is a citizen.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

A motivational cover letter that clearly outlines why you are applying, how your background aligns with the goals of the fellowship, and what you hope to gain and contribute.
A comprehensive CV or résumé, including three professional references (with contact details).
A clear scanned copy of a valid ID card or international passport that proves West African nationality.

All documents must be combined and submitted via email before the deadline.

Benefits of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Junior Fellowship Programme

The fellowship offers an impressive range of benefits aimed at providing a supportive, immersive, and high-impact experience for all fellows:

Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a monthly allowance to cover their living expenses throughout the 10-month period.
Health Insurance: Full health insurance coverage will be provided while in Senegal.
Accommodation in Dakar: Comfortable and safe accommodation will be arranged and funded for all fellows during the programme.
Round-Trip Flight: The programme covers the cost of international travel from your home country to Dakar, and back at the end of the fellowship.
Professional Mentorship: Each fellow will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced ISS researchers and practitioners working on human security in West Africa.
Exposure to Decision-Makers: Fellows will gain rare access to top-level policymakers, diplomats, and international development agencies.
Networking and Career Development: Participation in high-level meetings, policy dialogues, and training workshops will offer networking opportunities that can open doors to future careers in policy, research, and international affairs.
A Strong Alumni Network: Upon completion, fellows become part of a prestigious and supportive alumni network with access to further opportunities across the continent.

This is more than a professional experience — it’s a transformative journey that prepares you to become an agent of change in West Africa.

How to Apply

To apply for the 2025/2026 Institute for Security Studies Junior Fellowship Programme, email your application package to:

Souleymane Ndiaye
Email: dakarjobs@issafrica.org
Deadline: 1 August 2025

Application Checklist:

Motivational Cover Letter (PDF format)
Detailed CV or Résumé with three references
Scanned copy of your national ID or passport

Please ensure all documents are submitted in English or French and are clear, concise, and professionally written. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

If you are a young, passionate West African ready to gain hands-on experience, expand your policy horizons, and shape the future of governance and security in your region — this is your moment.

The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme is not only fully funded but also uniquely tailored to empower young people to transition into careers of impact and influence. Whether your passion lies in gender equity, peacebuilding, diplomacy, or public policy, this programme provides the mentorship, exposure, and resources to bring your vision to life.

Don’t hesitate. Step forward. Apply today.